- 12
# - Nelson, Horatio, Lord.
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Two letters:
i) Autograph letter signed, to Samuel Briggs, Pro-Consul at Alexandria, informing him that he had sent a frigate with despatches two days previously but "she is still to Leeward and cannot get up" so he sends duplicates, advising that "If nothing is know of the french fleet at Alexandria I shall instantly return to the Westward", and providing instructions for the speedy return of the frigate ("...The Officer is ordered not to wait more than thirty minutes..."), with a postscript ("...a Continental War is looked upon as Certain..."), 2 pages, 4to, docketed ("Received the 7th Feby at Alex. Answered verbally on the 7th & in writing 18 Feby"), HMS Victory, 4 February 1805, fold tears, crude repairs, browning
ii) Letter signed ("Nelson & Bronte"), to Samuel Briggs, on the movements of the French fleet after their escape from Toulon ("...they had not either arrived in Sardinia, Naples or Sicily I still think their destination is either Egypt or the Morea..."), hoping the Governor will take precautions ("...in particular to have vessels ready to sink to prevent the Entrance of the French fleet into the Old Port until the obstructions were removed which would give me time to get at them...") and giving further detailed intelligence about the movement of the French, advising that he will not remain any longer than necessary and therefore asking that Biggs immediately provide "all the information you have", 3 pages, folio, marked "Duplicate", docketed, HMS Victory, 4 February 1805, framed and glazed, split at folds, crudely repaired, not examined out of frame
ii) Letter signed ("Nelson & Bronte"), to Samuel Briggs, on the movements of the French fleet after their escape from Toulon ("...they had not either arrived in Sardinia, Naples or Sicily I still think their destination is either Egypt or the Morea..."), hoping the Governor will take precautions ("...in particular to have vessels ready to sink to prevent the Entrance of the French fleet into the Old Port until the obstructions were removed which would give me time to get at them...") and giving further detailed intelligence about the movement of the French, advising that he will not remain any longer than necessary and therefore asking that Biggs immediately provide "all the information you have", 3 pages, folio, marked "Duplicate", docketed, HMS Victory, 4 February 1805, framed and glazed, split at folds, crudely repaired, not examined out of frame
Literature
Printed in Dispatches and Letters, V, 336-37
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate. If you require additional information we would recommend viewing the item during the exhibition or contacting one of the specialists for this sale.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
"...the french fleet sailed on the 18th January with from 8,000 to 10,000 troops embarked..." - nelson's urgent request for intelligence as he searched the mediterranean. Nelson had made for Egypt immediately on learning that the French had slipped out of Toulon. Briggs informed him that Alexandria was poorly defended, that the Turks continued to fight the Marmelukes in Upper Egypt, and that the French had promised support to the Marmelukes (Nelson to Marsden, 12 February 1805, in Despatches and Letters, V, p.341). This news worried Nelson and increased his conviction that conquest of Egypt was once again the French aim. He was, however, mistaken: Villeneuve and his fleet had in fact returned to Toulon, and later were to sail westwards and slip out of the Mediterranean.